COALINGA, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A Victorville man was arrested following a multi-city investigation into diesel thefts that caused thousands of dollars in damages.
The suspect, identified as Angel Fonseca of Victorville, was taken into custody on April 4, 2026, after detectives tracked him across several locations, ultimately arresting him in Kettleman City.
The investigation began on March 13, 2026, at about 2:49 p.m., when officers responded to a vandalism call at a Chevron gas station located at 307 W. Elm Avenue.
According to a written statement from the Coalinga Police Department, officers discovered multiple damaged fuel pumps and approximately 500 gallons of diesel missing.
Surveillance footage showed a truck parked at a diesel pump for about an hour with a male occupant. The vehicle was later identified as a 2000 Ford F-250 registered to Fonseca out of Victorville.
Detectives located an address linked to Fonseca in Victorville and began surveillance. During the investigation, authorities observed him making frequent stops at diesel yards, where he was possibly selling the stolen fuel.
On April 2, 2026, at about 1:29 p.m., officers responded to the same Chevron location for another reported theft. Surveillance again captured the same truck, and another 500 gallons of diesel was reported stolen. The total estimated loss, including damage to pumps, was approximately $13,000.
Two days later, on April 4, detectives followed Fonseca as he traveled from Victorville to Bakersfield and eventually to Kettleman City, where he stopped at a Valero gas station. Investigators believed he was actively stealing fuel at the time.
After additional units arrived, officers contacted Fonseca and placed him under arrest for grand theft and vandalism. Detectives later confirmed he had been stealing fuel from the Valero station and are coordinating with the Kings County Sheriff’s Office for additional charges through the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
Fonseca was booked at the Coalinga Police Department and later transported to Fresno County Jail. His vehicle, along with gas tanks and other evidence, was seized and booked.
Authorities said Fonseca has an extensive history of burglary and theft-related convictions.
“The Coalinga Police Department will continue to bring those responsible for thefts to answer for their crimes committed in our community no matter where they are,” the department stated. “The Coalinga Police Department wants to maintain a positive partnership with the local businesses to make sure they stay open in our community to serve the citizens.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
Copyright 2026 Victor Valley News Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Note to readers: If you value our reporting and want to see it continue, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your contribution helps keep independent, local news accessible to everyone. Support local news today!
